This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Discover wilderness in comfort and style at New Zealand's premier nature lodge. Established by dedicated conservationists, Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki offers an experience like no other. Walk from your room into a natural paradise of ancient rainforest, kayak pristine lakes and explore rugged coastline. Enjoy fresh local food, fine wine, and warm hospitality. Join naturalist guides to discover spectacular wild landscape and search for penguins, seals, and other rare wildlife in the heart of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Qualmark.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic
Location
State Highway 6 30 km north of Haast, Lake Moeraki, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7842 New Zealand
This is truly a unique place. We enjoyed every minute of our 3 nights stay The staff are great, very friendly and helpful. There are a good range of activities, I did an excellent guided beach walk, and giant eel feeding (interesting creatures but wouldn’t want one as a pet) to name but two. Some talks in the evening before dinner provided a lot of interesting local information. There are also several self guided walks which are well worth doing, especially the walk to the penguin beach and the lake. It’s a relaxed and very comfortable lodge with excellent breakfasts and 3 course dinners included in the price. You have the choice of eating together or eating with other guests. It’s in a beautiful position by the river, we had a riverside room with a deck which was great to sit out on. The free laundry facilities came in very handy and free use of kayaks too. On some of our walks we saw Morepork Owls, Black Swans, oyster catchers and other birdlife. A very relaxing and enjoyable stay, we would love to return.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A beautiful lodge set on the edge of lake Moeraki in a pristine protected rainforest valley Leading down to the Tasman Sea. There are several walks directly from the lodge through the forest and leading out to the deserted beach(s). The lodge provides guide notes to assist. There are also trips involving kayak and walking and guides (payable). We enjoyed both Gerrys font of knowledge and banter. It is well worth going on the late glowworm trip where, if you don’t get run over on the road, you’ll also see the stars unpolluted by light. The rooms are very comfortable with en-suite bath or shower Plus the usual facilities. Air con and heating in each. The inclusive breakfast and dinner are very good with a meat or fish main on offer at dinner and vegetarian options available. A well stocked bar is also provided. The young staff - under the watchful eye of Gerry and Anne - work hard and ensure you are well looked after either in the restaurant or when enjoying the lodge facilities. There is a sister lodge in Arthur’s Pass. Can’t recommend it highly enough.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â River view rooms have a bath and shower.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My two friends and I just spent a few days at the Wilderness Lodge at Lake Moreraki in New Zealand. When my friend suggested it to me, I was worried that we would be sleeping in the wild in a musty old cabin. Boy was I wrong. What a peaceful, comfortable and educational retreat from everyday life. The owners Anne and Gerry happily welcomed us into their world. And I am so grateful for that! These two are the perfect combination for this well run establishment. The lodge is beautifully decorated and filled with interesting rocks, shells and artifacts to look at. Anne prepared us hot brewed teas, French press coffees, and made sure we were well fed and comfortable. The food prepared by a French chef and a pastry chef was top notch. The homemade breads, and deserts were amazing. The cabins were extremely comfortable and maid service was included. I never slept so well. Gerry was the most knowledgeable and interesting tour guide. His stories and facts about this area kept us enthralled. He could name every bird, plant, or tree we encountered. There is a well stocked library to borrow a book if you feel the need to read. Gerry took my friends kayaking and all of us went hiking together. Though I’m sure it was Anne who packed us the tea, coffee and snacks to enjoy along the way. Gerry is a wealth of knowledge that he is willing to share. And then there is the environment… this area is like a little peace of heaven. Fresh air, fresh clean water, birds chirping and Mother Nature enveloping you into her arms.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Wilderness Lodges of New Zealand, Owner at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Responded Mar 27, 2023
Kia ora Jeanette, Thanks for your comprehensive review. It's great to get feedback such as yours as we do work really hard to bring together all those aspects of the Wilderness Lodge experience that you highlighted here. We'd be delighted to host you again one day. Kind wishes, Anne Saunders & Gerry McSweeney
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki is set in a stunning native forest ecoscape beside the lake and peaceful Moeraki river outlet. Gerry, Anne and Darren were superb and attentive hosts over the five days we stayed there, taking us out to explore new highlights every day. Gerry is one of New Zealand’s most experienced and knowledgeable eco guides, and he bought the native forest, wildlife, beaches and history of the area to life for us. Our accomodation and the main lodge were great, kayaking on the river and lake was memorable and fun, and the food prepared for us each day by Kim was always first class. We cannot recommend Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki more highly to anyone who wants to experience South Westland’s unspoiled natural environment at its best.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Wilderness Lodges of New Zealand, Owner at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Responded Mar 27, 2023
Kia ora Compass28502414254, Thanks for your review - we really appreciate it. Kind wishes, Anne Saunders & Gerry McSweeney
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We spent two nights here traveling the South Island on a bike tour. This beautiful, secluded property is surrounded by rainforest and is just a 4 mile hike from the Tasman Sea. Your stay includes guided nature walks, kayaks and optional paid activities daily. The rooms are comfortable, clean and upscale. The food was delicious.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We arrived in torrential rain and received a wonderfully warm welcome (and large umbrella) then shown to a luxurious room overlooking the Moeraki river. It is set within a true wilderness of ancient woodland, so remote they generate their own electricity and filter their own water. It is hard to find words for such beauty and tranquillity. Everything was geared to explore and enjoy this wilderness with rain gear to borrow, a drying room, etc. The food was superb and the guided trips enthralling. Despite the rain and high winds we had a brilliant time here, my only regret was that we had only booked two nights. I would have like more.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a beautiful lodge which truly seems in the Wilderness. The owners, Gerry and Anne, almost seem part of the family. There are lots of outdoor activities at the lodge all day, but is also a stopping point to travel to other adventures. Some of the activities are for a fee but they offer a couple of activities as a courtesy. It can be a very busy place with more than twenty rooms. The dinners are quite good although our party felt there could have been more seasoning on the food. The rooms are very comfortable and you can do laundry free! A definite plus for the active traveler.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I stayed in some beautiful places in NZ, but if we had to pick one to return to this would be it. in a remote corner of the South Island Gerry and Anne have created something quite remarkable. You get to explore the rainforest with a knowledgeable and passionate guide then enjoy good food with a superb wine list delivered by a friendly young staff. I have to mention the attention to detail that includes proper wooden coat hangers (are you listening Australia?) and a hotel laundry guests can actually use easily. And about those sandflies: I function as my wife's personal insect repellent and if i can be comfortable in socks, long trousers and a judicious application of Aerogard, you will be too.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2023
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Most rooms will look over grass lawns but if you spend much time in your room you're missing...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Wilderness Lodges of New Zealand, Owner at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Responded Mar 27, 2023
Kia ora Andrew6buch, Thanks for your review. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your Wilderness Lodge experience. Kind wishes, Anne Saunders & Gerry McSweeney
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
On the West Coast a beautiful spot. Make sure you bring your rain gear however They do have a washer dryer which came in handy. They also have a place to show your hiking boots as well. Kayaks are on the property. They also have a naturalist they give tours with short walk to see the Eels that live in the river. Also there near one by glowworm however that was trip was canceled due to pouring rain that evening. Staff was extremely nice. I recommend that you ask for French press coffee rather than the other coffee that they provide. We are used to a more flavorful coffee then the regular coffee provided.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anytime is a great time to visit the Wilderness Lodge, depending on what you want to see and do there. I believe they close in July-August for winter. But check. You could call and talk to the owners.
No there are no tv’s. It’s a wilderness lodge. There is a full library of assorted books to enjoy. The show is really outside, both day and night. During the day it’s hiking in the rainforest, identifying birds and plants, kayaking in the lake, and relaxing while
enjoying the clean air. At night there are glow worms, owls and other assorted nocturnal animals.
Usually we were so exhausted from our daytime fun, we didn’t even miss tv.
As for swimming, I think that you could swim in the crystal clear lake. It is clean enough to drink. It might be a bit cold, depending on when you visit.
This was my first visit to a wilderness lodge and now I’m spoiled. The bar is set so high not sure any other lodge could beat it.
I would email or call them about dropping in for a coffee. There are two trails on the grounds. One of which goes by the river. There is also an enormous pigeon that likes to perch in the small tree by the river in front of the breakfast room. However, you should try staying at least two nights to really experience the place. That way Gerry can take you out to see the glow worms in the bushes.
Hi. sorry i did not see your post. I can't comment on the price because i honestly don't remember but it is a beautiful place. elegant, relaxing, great atmosphere, and in the meantime you can spend some hours kayaking, hiking, bird watching or just hanging out in the lodge. the owners have some activities planned for each day ( glow worm watching at night), eel feeding, bird watching, etc) you might still be able to catch some pinguin watching from the beach off the resort . this place is a great stop in between destinations but make sure you give yourself some time to enjoy it . we loved it there
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand7 contributions12 helpful votes
Definitely contact Gerry or the lodge.There were none in February.The guided walks all seem to be out from the Lodge..some to the beach, some through forest.We only saw bird life like white egrets, but they were pretty special, and they were near the Lodge intself or Lake Moeraki..which is close and on one of their trails.
There are more places to choose from in the Lake Moeraki area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
wilderness lodge lake moeraki hotel lake moeraki
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandWest Coast RegionWestland Tai Poutini National ParkLake Moeraki
NUMBER OF ROOMS
28
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
